Thousands flock to Newark to enjoy festival that was ‘best yet’

Thousands of people flocked to Riverside Park in Newark to watch some superb entertainment at The Newark Festival.

Friday was all about the UK’s best rock tribute artists.

First on stage giving a massive welcome to Newark was the Four Fighters, followed by The Fillers, Antarctic Monkeys and the Bon Jovi Experience. All the bands totally rocked Riverside Park and the audience lapped all up the familiar hits. Even the rain could not dampen the enthusiasm on stage or in the crowd!

Saturday saw the icons of the 1980’s take to the stage. Midge Ure was a fantastic opening artist and got the crowd moving, by the time he played Vienna the whole place went wild. Bananarama sang hit after hit after hit. They ensured the whole park joined in a mass karaoke. ABC performed a set of polished classic and modern pop songs. Bringing a fabulous evening of music to a climax was Spandau Ballet’s frontman Tony Hadley. It was huge 80’s hits Gold and True that the crowd had come to hear and he did not disappoint. The encore certainly meant everyone went home singing their favourite songs.

Sunday was the free family day and Riverside Park was full of face painters, balloon modellers, bouncy castles and even a teddy bear and Punch & Judy show. The Finale day of this superb festival of music was opened by the Newark Mayor, Dean Hyde. The evening drew to a close with a spectacular fire work display.